Core i9-12900 vs EPYC 4364P

Intel

Core i9-12900

16 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2022
Core family
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VS
AMD

EPYC 4364P

8 Cores16 Thrd105 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2024
EPYC family
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Core i9-12900 vs EPYC 4364P Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i9-12900 vs EPYC 4364P FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i9-12900 vs EPYC 4364P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i9-12900

2022

Why buy it

  • Draws 65W instead of 105W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 4364P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (33,695 vs 34,215).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 4364P, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 28 PCIe lanes.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 64.9 vs 85.8 PassMark/$ ($519 MSRP vs $399 MSRP).

EPYC 4364P

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +13.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 28 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • Costs $120 less on MSRP ($399 MSRP vs $519 MSRP).
  • Delivers 32.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 85.8 vs 64.9 PassMark/$ ($399 MSRP vs $519 MSRP).
  • 40% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 61.5% higher power demand at 105W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 4364P better than Core i9-12900?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 4364P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-12900 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, EPYC 4364P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 4364P is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 4364P is the better buy right now. EPYC 4364P comes in $120 cheaper on MSRP at $399 MSRP versus $519 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 32.1% better value on MSRP (85.8 vs 64.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 4364P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022), more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 16/24, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-12900 vs EPYC 4364P Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i9-12900

The Core i9-12900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,695 points. Launch price was $489.

AMD

EPYC 4364P

The EPYC 4364P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 May 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raphael (2023−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,215 points. Launch price was $399.

Processing Power

The Core i9-12900 packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 4364P offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-12900 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900 versus 5.4 GHz on the EPYC 4364P — a 5.7% clock advantage for the EPYC 4364P (base: 2.4 GHz vs 4.5 GHz). The Core i9-12900 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 4364P uses Raphael (2023−2025) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900 scores 33,695 against the EPYC 4364P's 34,215 — a 1.5% lead for the EPYC 4364P. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900 vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 4364P.

FeatureCore i9-12900EPYC 4364P
Cores / Threads
16 / 24+100%
8 / 16
Boost Clock
5.1 GHz
5.4 GHz+6%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
4.5 GHz+88%
L3 Cache
30 MB (total)
32 MB (total)+7%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)+25%
1 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
5 nm-29%
Architecture
Alder Lake-S (2022)
Raphael (2023−2025)
PassMark
33,695
34,215+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi
21,000
Geekbench 6 Single
3,085
Geekbench 6 Multi
15,594
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 4364P uses AM5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i9-12900 versus DDR5-5200 on the EPYC 4364P — the EPYC 4364P supports 8.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 4364P supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900) vs 28 (EPYC 4364P) — the EPYC 4364P offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900) and B650,X670,X870 (EPYC 4364P).

FeatureCore i9-12900EPYC 4364P
Socket
LGA1700
AM5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
4800
DDR5-5200+8%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
192 GB+50%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
28+40%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 4364P supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900) vs AMD-V, AMD-Vi (EPYC 4364P). Both include integrated graphics Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900) and Radeon Graphics (EPYC 4364P) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 4364P targets Entry Server. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900 rivals Ryzen 9 5900; EPYC 4364P rivals Xeon E-2488.

FeatureCore i9-12900EPYC 4364P
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Radeon Graphics
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V, AMD-Vi
Target Use
Entry Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900 was priced at $519, while the EPYC 4364P came in at $399. On launch pricing ($519 vs $399), EPYC 4364P was $120 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900 delivers 64.9 pts/$ vs 85.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 4364P — making the EPYC 4364P the 27.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-12900EPYC 4364P
MSRP
$519
$399-23%
Performance per Dollar
64.9
85.8+32%
Release Date
2022
2024

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